The strongest .44 Magnum made !?!?

Erocksmash · #51 12-31-2020, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forte Smitten Wesson

This won't be a popular opinion, but I would have to say that the strongest Double Action .44 Magnum Revolver in current production is the Taurus Raging Bull 444.

The Raging Bull was designed for .454 Casull, and the Model 444 reflects that, as it is a .454 Casull Revolver chambered in .44 Magnum.
The gun is an absolute beast, weighing in at 53oz with front and rear cylinder latches to insure that it stays locked up tight while firing even the hottests of .454 Casull loads, and based on what I've read, the Raging Bull holds up pretty much indefinitely to .454 Casull, so I imagine that it would basically be indestructible firing .44 Magnum.

Last but not least, the Raging Bull, like most of Taurus' Magnum Revolvers, has significantly higher QC than Taurus' usual bargain-priced handguns, and the price point reflects this, as the Raging Bull costs about as much as a Ruger or Smith & Wesson does. The MSRP on the Raging Bull 444 is $899, typical gunstore prices are about $100 to $125 less. Some would say that's too expensive for a Taurus, and for the money they'd rather buy a Ruger or Smith & Wesson, which is understandable. I myself would sooner buy a Smith & Wesson at that price, but the question was in regards to the strongest .44 Magnum Revolver on the market, and in my opinion, when it comes to DA Revolvers, the Taurus Raging Bull is just that.

Interesting you bring this up sir as I completely forgot about Taurus and the raging bull line... this might be an option I consider....

Thanks

junglefighter · #52 12-31-2020, 04:22 PM

I have a Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan and I like it better than any 44 Magnum I have owned. The short barrel is not a problem for me and it shoots great. I find it as accurate as a 4" bbl. and the recoil is not as great as people write.

ggibson511960 · #53 12-31-2020, 05:18 PM

I question the veracity of claims that a particular handgun brand has "stronger" steel. There are some amazingly strong ferrous materials in this world, but realistically, which ones get used in handguns? The investment cast frames such as Ruger's are noteworthy. They are obviously strong enough for the calibers, plenty hard, but generally not as strong in tension or bending, nor as fracture tough as forged, heat treated Cr-Mo grades like the ubiquitous 4140. Ironic that MIM is so disparaged but it's near identical investment casting is accepted. The other group of firearms touted for strength use stainless steel. Stainless grades are very good, but unless they are one of the 400 series, hardenable Martensitic grades, are not as strong. Tribal knowledge says that gun manufacturers use 400 series stainless so they can machine critical parts in their soft condition, then heat treat for better strength. We'll never know because manufacturers keep such information as a trade secret.

What is known is the geometric proportion of stronger firearms. There are no svelte top straps, skinny chamber walls or gracefully contoured recoil shields that we all adore on S&W handguns. "When in doubt, make it stout" abounds in the lines.

poprivit · #54 12-31-2020, 06:53 PM

Leave us put an end to the"massive.44" discussion. If you REALLY want a lot of horsepower in a wheel gun, try the one in the photo. S&W 500 shooting 500-Gr Hornady.

Drm50 · #55 12-31-2020, 07:38 PM

I think Ruger SBH is strongest. There are others that are better fitted but basically SBH copies. I’ve had my Ruger SBH since 1960s. It is one of the few guns that is fired full house magnum with Jacketed bullets. This is only because that’s what it likes. I never shoot jackets or magnum loads out of my 29s or any other of my S&Ws.

Echo40 · #56 12-31-2020, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poprivit

Let us put an end to the "massive.44" discussion. If you REALLY want a lot of horsepower in a wheel gun, try the one in the photo. S&W 500 shooting 500-Gr Hornady.

.500 S&W is overrated, .460 S&W generates equal muzzle energy with superior sectional density, higher velocity, and deeper penetration. Furthermore, the 460XVR is more versatile and more fun at the range because it can also shoot .45 Long Colt and .454 Casull in addition to .460 S&W.

BC38 · #57 12-31-2020, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poprivit

Leave us put an end to the"massive.44" discussion. If you REALLY want a lot of horsepower in a wheel gun, try the one in the photo. S&W 500 shooting 500-Gr Hornady.

Lets not. It has been a good discussion and seems to continue to be.

The question was which is the strongest 44 magnum - not what is more powerful than a 44 magnum.

pistolpete10 · #58 12-31-2020, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyphil

Ruger's New Model Super Blackhawk .44 Magnum is plenty strong for me.
I have shot some pretty powerful stuff out of it, and it just wants more.
Shown here with a Keith style holster made by Henry Cassaday, Ranger
belt by David Keith, blade by Solingen, grip by crazyphil, Open Road by
Stetson, and that great book by John Witty and Red Nichols.

Of 4 44 mags I've owned the only one that ever failed was a NM SBH, the ejector spring became weak and the ejector recoiled enough to dent the edge of the chamber, ruined it for accuracy. I don't know why they designed it that way, big disappointment, it may have been my most accurate handgun ever. Also owned a 5-1/2" and 7-1/2" redhawk and a 6" 629. I still have the 629 and will keep it. I like it best of all. Wouldn't mind having an old 6-1/2" 29, that's what I should have bought to start with... Live and learn.

Chukar60 · #59 12-31-2020, 09:40 PM

Some folks like recoil, in fact they relish it. If your main objective is recoil, just get a S&W 329 PD and load up some stiffies. I am sure you will get your fill of recoil in short order.

Erocksmash · #60 12-31-2020, 10:13 PM

It's not so much recoil I chase, or caliber size I chase. I guess its old fashioned power?!?! just a friendly conversation about and old caliber... I don't intend to over push the the .44 magnum, is that I cherish a S&W 6 gun and don't want to destroy it. Recoil doesn't scare me and I would like to shoot the best of the best. Loading for it even better.... I would compare it to child birth not so much the spfic details of the matter but to create a cartridge out of bits and pieces of case, powder, primer, projectile...

I feel no need to go any further than .44m if I did it would be the. 460 gun I chose as its very versatile, but my reservations are do to the current climate and ability to find components, I have struggled to find stuf to load the .44m... yes I'm new, yes I should have stocked up, I started roughly beginning of the year and have become entrenched in it, guns are cool S&Ws are better...

I get no greater satisfaction than reloading ammo to feed the guns I love...

And like I said the .44mag just seems about right at the moment...

Sorry I'm rambling...

That being said of course in my humble opinion....

rwsmith · #61 12-31-2020, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric300

I'm sure opinions are going to vary, but, how can you go wrong with any of the 'big bore' revolvers by Ruger? Super Redhawks/Blackhawks are built like tanks. In fact, I'd say that they may very well be over-engineered to handle consistent heavy recoil from 44mag/454/480. I don't know if they are 'the strongest', but, they sure gotta be darn close.

...that my Speer #9 (from the days before chicken reloading) had a special section ONLY for Ruger Blackhawk and Contender pistols.

ms · #62 12-31-2020, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pistolpete10

Of 4 44 mags I've owned the only one that ever failed was a NM SBH, the ejector spring became weak and the ejector recoiled enough to dent the edge of the chamber, ruined it for accuracy. I don't know why they designed it that way, big disappointment, it may have been my most accurate handgun ever. Also owned a 5-1/2" and 7-1/2" redhawk and a 6" 629. I still have the 629 and will keep it. I like it best of all. Wouldn't mind having an old 6-1/2" 29, that's what I should have bought to start with... Live and learn.

I'm tired, and on my fourth glass of wine, but what? What part of a Ruger SA is recoiling and denting the chamber? Did the ejector rod dent the front of the cylinder? Wouldn't that have gone the other way?

Echo40 · #63 12-31-2020, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chukar60

Some folks like recoil, in fact they relish it. If your main objective is recoil, just get a S&W 329 PD and load up some stiffies. I am sure you will get your fill of recoil in short order.

I am one such person, albeit within reason. I'm not a masochist and don't like shooting guns with painful recoil that will leave me with bruises or abrasions of any sort, but I enjoy shooting guns with impressive recoil, muzzle flash, and report. I just find it exhilarating.
That being said, based on what I've heard, the S&W 329 is just plain unpleasant to shoot, and I mean from folks like Kentucky Ballistics who consider the S&W M500 fun to shoot, not your average "Fourty is too snappy!" people, so I take that assessment seriously.

Besides, just about anything can be made to have harsh recoil, especially if it's lightweight. Case in point, the Ruger LCP has a lot of felt recoil, but not because the .380 ACP is a hard-kicking round, but rather because the gun weighs 10oz, is extremely small/thin, and therefore you get a lot of recoil focused into one spot.
So yeah, if there actually are folks who just enjoy recoil all by itself, then get a Ruger LCP, not a S&W 329. It's significantly cheaper and will beat up your hand quite nicely in as little as 50 rounds.

However, that's clearly not what the thread is about.

daddio202 · #64 12-31-2020, 11:24 PM

Plenty of opinions on this thread but it seems a pattern developed about 3/4 through the posts. The one reply about the 454 Casull is mighty convincing. I too am a handloader and when I want to crank up the volume with H110 or Lilgun powder I always shoot them in my early Dan Wesson it has a big frame and is not phased i the least from hot loads. Rugers are pretty tough too.

G-Mac · #65 12-31-2020, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc44

I agree the strongest regular production 44 Magnum is the Ruger Super Blackhawk. This one has seen years of service without a problem.

Bill

Yeah, that poor thing looks like it's been through hell, Doc44!

Cleandean · #66 01-01-2021, 12:51 AM

I would have to put in a vote for a Thompson Center / Contender . Yes it is a handgun ... better described as a Hand Cannon.
My calibers.
.35 REM.
.375 JDJ.
.41 mag . 10 in Bbl.
.45-70 Govt.
I had a 44 mag . Sold it as my .41 mag. Shot better.
The hottest .41 load I put together and through the Contender was a 300 gr. Bullet for a .405 lever gun ( .412 dia. Softpoint) 17 gr. of H110 .
Actually handled it like a dream. No problemo.

Drm50 · #67 01-01-2021, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Mac

Yeah, that poor thing looks like it's been through hell, Doc44!

It don’t even have a turn line.

Cdog · #68 01-01-2021, 05:18 AM

I'd choose the Super Redhawk.

I think it's overkill for the .44 chambering, but they're sure a strong piece of work.

hemiram · #69 01-01-2021, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erocksmash

I am no competitor by any sort... and it is of my personal opinion that Dan wessons are just unattractive to me...

And it was mostly a handgun question honestly...

Compared to what? A DW 44 is better looking than any Redhawk, but slightly less attractive than a 29/629. The cylinder release area on Ruger DA revolvers has a serious case of the awkward and ugly.

What's unattractive about this?

Or this?

boatbum101 · #70 01-01-2021, 11:30 AM

Handgun 44mag FA all the way . Superior materials , machining , fitting , align bored cylinder . Built to benchrest standards dang near .
FWIW all my field / hunting revolvers are RBH's , SD revolvers are S&W , target a Colt OMM & a PPC built on a M10 .
We shoot fair amount of hogs & a good lever / SS work well in our locale .

Echo40 · #71 01-01-2021, 11:36 AM

Personally, I've always loved the look of plum-colored bluing. So much so that at one point I even sought to replicate it, but alas, despite the prevalence of the urban legend that ordinary bluing can be turned into plum bluing as easily as slathering it in WD-40, throwing it in a gunsafe, and letting it work its magic, it's actually the result of overheated bluing salts which are due for replacement, but nobody can agree on how hot the tank needs to be, how many times the salts have been used, or how long you have to leave the gun in the tank. Also, the effect isn't immediate, but manifests itself over time, so you can't even be sure if you got it right fresh out of the tank since it looks pretty much normal at first. Furthermore, how long it takes for the bluing to change color can vary dramatically, with it sometimes being a matter of months, other times it can take decades.

41 · #72 01-01-2021, 12:55 PM

Things change when you go to a 5 shot cylinder. Gary Reeder has his 429 GNR which is a 454 necked to 429. He has it built on a SBH frame but has also used the SW 29.

As others have said, there are limitations to what your waist can handle without damage long term.

dave1918a2 · #73 01-01-2021, 01:46 PM

For the average Joe I vote the Ruger Super Red hawk. I shot the magnum handgun match at Our club for 25 years using a SRH loading a 240 jacketed bullet with 26 grains of H110. Not a LOAD for the weak of heart or Smith and Wesson and was safe in My gun and not recommended.

pistolpete10 · #74 01-01-2021, 01:52 PM

Make mine a 29 or 629 every time. You ain't gonna wear it out even tho it ain't as big as a cast Ruger.

old pipefitter · #75 01-12-2021, 11:07 AM

I'd say the Freedom Arms model 83. its built like a vault. Sorry Ruger owners they are not in the same league as a FA. I tried to load a picture of mine but i cant figure out how to do it anymore

MCorps0311 · #76 01-12-2021, 06:12 PM

This Redhawk .44 Magnum looks the part.

jdh · #77 01-13-2021, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poprivit

Leave us put an end to the"massive.44" discussion. If you REALLY want a lot of horsepower in a wheel gun, try the one in the photo. S&W 500 shooting 500-Gr Hornady.

BFR in 45-70.

pistolpete10 · #78 01-13-2021, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ms

I'm tired, and on my fourth glass of wine, but what? What part of a Ruger SA is recoiling and denting the chamber? Did the ejector rod dent the front of the cylinder? Wouldn't that have gone the other way?

No, it didn't go the other way. It dented the edge of the cylinder in to the chamber, burred it. It amazed me that it wasn't aligned so it wouldn't hit the cylinder at all. Ruined it.

Donn · #79 01-14-2021, 09:16 AM

My old Super Blackhawk could handle loads I wouldn't dare try in my Model 29.

Univibe · #80 01-14-2021, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arjay

Another consideration is how many rounds of hot 44s can a guy enjoy before the novelty is gone lol
I think I put around 1,000 through a super Blackhawk and a few hundred through a S&W and a Colt before I was content with pushing a 240 gr bullet at 1000 fps

I'm the opposite. Bought a 629 a few years ago. I load 240 grain hardcast to about 1000 or 1050. I have never yet fired a full power magnum load through it.